How to Fix 'File Access Denied' Issue on Windows

Have you ever tried to delete or move a file in Windows File Explorer, only to encounter an error message like this?

File Access Denied

You need permission to perform this action.

You require permission from PC-NAME\username to make changes to this file.

You’re not alone, and here’s how to resolve it:

1. Right-click the file and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the Security tab and click the Advanced button.
3. Click the Change button next to the Owner field.
4. Enter your username, click Check Names to verify it, then click OK.
5. In the Permissions tab, click Add to assign full control permission.
6. Click Select a principal; a new dialog box will appear.
7. Enter your username again, click Check Names to verify, then click OK.
8. Back in the Permission Entry dialog, check the Full control permission.
9. Click OK on all dialogs to apply the changes.

Once you complete these steps, you should be able to modify, delete, or move the file.

Here’s a video to help visualize the process:

Thanks for reading. I hope you found this helpful. See you next time!